The economics behind Ukraine's unrest

A picture of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, currently imprisoned for abuse of office, stands in Independence Square on January 27, 2013 in Kiev, Ukraine. Unrest is spreading across Ukraine, with activists taking over municipal buildings in several towns and cities including the east of the country where President Viktor Yanukovych has enjoyed strong support. - Rob Stothard/Getty Images

There's potential for a state of emergency in Ukraine this morning, where protesters are taking over government buildings. The protests began after President Viktor Yanukovych decided to align Ukraine's trade relationship with Russia, instead of the European Union. Ukraine also owes Russia billions of dollars for natural gas. Click the audio player above to hear the BBC's David Stern tell Marketplace's Lizzie O'Leary about the economic underpinning of the civil unrest in Ukraine.